This is a two-part series. I know I usually do a preview and a review, but I thought I would just combine them this time around. That way everything will be into one article. I hope you understand.

Disclaimer: This is nowhere near the full article. After we get the press release, album release, and some behind the scenes (and tmi!) from the lives. As well as translations, studio mixes, and remixes. Of course, we won’t be able to get every little detail, but we try our best to bring you quality.

I will also not look at any lyric videos, reactions, or other videos taking away from the original post during this time (streaming, iykyk) for about a week. So, this post will need to marinate to get to its full potential. Please understand! Also, if anyone from KQ Entertainment is reading this somehow, Hello! We would love to know more about this comeback. Hit us up! 🙂

I am a music enthusiast and ATINY, so I write from both perspectives. I do not know much music terminology, so excuse some of the review where I try to figure things out.

Also, if you have anything to share, drop it in the comments, I’ll love to read it. Okay let’s get to the actual review! (+Preview).

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Preview contents:

Prediction of the songs sound plus the ATEEZ comeback live notes!

SONG 1

Prediction based on the title: So, this is the title track. I think ‘Lemon Drop’ will have either a reggae, rap, or edm vibe to it. Mixed with pop. Very uplifting and addicting.

After hearing thoughts: yeah I think it’s some kind of rap edm with maybe a bit of afrobeat influence? From listening it feels like it’s going to be addicting with the repetitive parts. I mean this is LE- (IYKYK)

First listen of track preview:

SONG 2

Prediction based on the title: ‘Masterpiece’ could be two thing. Either a classical elegant vibe like we got with ‘Selfish Waltz’ or it can give a nonchalant confidence like in ‘Ice On my Teeth’ with a hip hop influence. This is either looking at themselves as the title or life itself or something. This is golden hour, so we’ll see.

After hearing thoughts: it sounds really sexy. I think this album is giving what people were thinking it would give from their spoilers. I think it definitely has that elegance, but not like the song mentioned earlier. And also just in sound, the lyrics right now are giving off different emotions also house vibes and synth. Okay I am back after going online and others are feeling the same about this track. This is hot.

First listen of track preview:

SONG 3

Prediction based on the title: ‘Now this House ain’t a home’ can give off a melancholy feeling with either rap, gospel, or ballad styles of music. I think it will be sad. 

After hearing thoughts:

Completely different from what I thought it would be. I think you can drive to this song. However it might be sad so maybe not. But it has that drivable feeling to it. Sound wise I’m really bad at describing the exact genres so remember to read into the songs later because I do add that part in when I can. It can be maybe sad synth or like something that definitely gives off the melancholy vibe. I can’t wait to see what is added in the lyrics.

First listen of track preview:

SONG 4

Prediction based on the title: ‘Castle’ is interesting. I think it can give off “wonderland” vibes with rock influence, or can be a ballad like ‘selfish waltz’ or maybe a fast track rap song. I’m interested. Their titles this time around are even more intriguing.

After hearing thoughts: it might still be EDM. I think that fantasy side that I was thinking is in the layering. It sounds like stars are shining. And they even added that in the visual so that’s still there. However, the sound of the song is completely different from what I thought it was going to be. To be honest I’m not sure what it is. I think edm? Or synth? Mixed with pop.

First listen of track preview:

SONG 5

Prediction based on the title: Bridge: The Edge of Reality is going to be interesting. I think it might be giving off space vibes. Emptiness or some kind of fall off where it can get to showing we’re not 100% seeing the truth. This is again another reason I enjoy these. I don’t get the lore completely, but it seems like something is off, right? Interesting, very interesting. 

After hearing thoughts: in love. Okay well I already knew that I would like it because the bridges really bring in that last story telling element. And it’s feeling like we’re in the middle of space. And this could be if I want to over analyze…we aren’t really in A. We’re not in Z. But we’re in an altered state? Like “A” alternative universe or something just isn’t right. Maybe, just maybe. Or I’m just reaching. Either way this is everything. Genre? No clue though. Fantasy?

First listen of track preview:

Other thoughts before the album’s release:

I have many. Like I feel like there’s a reason why there is 5 tracks. The last 2 albums had 6. Maybe they are doing a hidden track? Or, or there is another reason? Like the golden hour was found, or it is the golden hour? The story is being resolved until the next chapter? Who knows. But I am curious. From watching the trailer… That key is holding something. Maybe a chance to go into that altered state. That’s interesting. Like it was in space after being buried in the gravel. Then we go back into the car. But it doesn’t look the same. Like alternate time zone or we are pretending something didn’t happen. Or it reset…or an anomaly. Who knows. The whole time if you watch the visualizer, it’s telling a story. Now of what? That’s the part we have to find out. I know Atiny will definitely have a field day with this!  Also, we know the branding for this album is planned out. We see the concept photos. We read the albums-which you should all cop! There’re two versions. Heat version and Thirst version. Very clever names. Great branding. We know what y’all doing Ateez.

COMEBACK PREVIEW LIVE

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The live was decorated really pretty. And it gave off the refreshing vibes I’m sure we all craved. Ya’ll, I love the preview lives so much! They really make my day. Like if you have some time to kill and really want something to give you an energy boost, watch them. And not only are they fun, but informative with behind-the-scenes stories, details on music, and exciting news. And they play lot’s go games. It started a little behind schedule, so I was able to work a bit more on the illustration I was doing. But once it started, I was ready.

That being said, I have a bit to show you. “Spoiler fairy” San was to the rescue today. They all spoiled a bit. Mingi tried to spoil the dance. And they do at the end of the live. The staff looked irritated at some point, some the members said. I found that hilarious. Poor staff was stressed with all the spoilers. Update while they were “gone”, but not really as they have been super busy if you have been keeping up. They filmed a lot of photoshoots and content. So I’m looking forward to it.

Now we have a new game. Or well a new version of a game called: Lemon. Drop. Closer. 

I hope while waiting on during the tour or around with friends, Atiny will play this version of the game.

The winners got to pick the parts of the song they wanted to spoil. And spoiler alert, some parts were already highlighted, they just needed to choose which part. They played for a little while. And yes Atiny was watching. We saw some of yall cheating. 

We started off with eight ambitious men fighting to play the killing points of the unreleased tracks. Songs from their new album that they worked hard on. Six got eliminated and only two remained. Yunho and Jongho. Jongho and Yunho.

Yunho won. (As expected, they described the win),  Jongho came in second place.

Yunho picked masterpiece and then castle

Jongho picked house ain’t home then edge of reality

Masterpiece 15-20 second preview:

They played the beginning. The acapella vocals were beautiful then it goes into this exciting section. Sounds super hot. Had to go back a couple of times. You can definitely groove to this. San starts the song. It’s described as bubbly. Mingi thinks San stood out. Yunho thinks that this song can be perfect for choreo. They want to dance to it in their own colors.

Seonghwa said it “has a really flowing vibe” with “bubbly vocals. And said that the song is similar to “If Without You” And others agreed. So I will definitely listen to both closely and report back to you all. 

Mingi of course had to crack a joke. I mean is it playful Mingi without them? He said he likes this song because he likes peace and this is a Masterpiece. BA Dum TSK! Okay moving on lol!

They really want to perform this one as well. So I am banking on stage shows as well as the concerts to have this new stage incorporated. And I am looking forward to all of the new content! I do hope they get some rest in between though and not “Kind of” Sleep, Eat, and ETC. Let’s stay healthy! You got this!

Castle

Jongho said Mingi had fitting lyrics that represent the song well. Jongho picked it so it can show the meaning of the song. As the rapper’s part showcased it. They mentioned that ATINY loved Castle. Many fans picked it as their favorite. The lyrics are really pretty. 

The message is of you “need comfort and healing. Castle is the best for it. The melody and message will be comforting. 

(They joke about the word “kind of”. They were able to “kind of” sleep & “kind of “ride a bike)

They said the song will be great to listen to as it is comforting. It is very calm and seems like an easy listen as well. They even mention this in the live. This song feeling is giving hopeful as well as sad? Maybe melancholy. They said 

‘Now this house ain’t a home’ 40 seconds. I am still a bit confused with this song. I thought it was going to have a different vibe. It is giving right now a mix between rap and rock. A bir of scenic music too. Each one seems to be telling a story. But I’m not sure what it is exactly. Unfortunately, this preview live they didn’t give us all the genres so I’ll have to find that later. There’s definitely a beat present, but I can’t follow right now. I need more. The staff is starving us.

Last track. Jongho wanted to play the “6th track”, but it’s a 5th. I think there’s a secret track to be honest. I felt this way before, but this just confirmed my speculation. But we’ll see in some hours. 

There’s so many scenes in this album. They said we’ll understand tomorrow. And the sound is like riding an elevator.  There’s no lyrics. They have a plan and needed to stick to it. So we can’t hear anymore. I am so intrigued as their bridges are some of my favorite ones because they tell a story. One day I’ll just play them back to back and see what I can come up with.

Lemon Drop spoiler. This song is really giving me serotonin. As well as it’s giving youth. It reminds me also of songs that used to play over the summer on the radio and they made me so happy. Especially at a party. It’s following Wave. But wave has a different humidity level. It’s a R&B hip hop song. And it’s refreshing. It has a new vibe and mood. 

Personally, I do not hear Wave too much within the song, but it is refreshing. We’ll see when I listen to the full thing, if I feel the same.

Wooyoung said he loved it since the guide was played. Some members wanted ‘masterpiece’ and others wanted ‘Lemon Drop’. Which is so valid because both seem perfect for a comeback. SO it was tied I guess.  Maybe the CEO had to be the tie breaker? I heard that’s what has to happen sometimes. But personally, I am happy with ‘Lemon Drop’ as it seems to have a refreshing vibe to it..

To make it even more refreshing, there will be a series of remixes they said. I will be looking forward to them. I already have some predictions of who they will collaborate with. Speaking of collabs, they had a lot of them actually (merch, bakeries, artists, etc.), that was great to see. I hope at the stadium they keep the old drinks, but add a lemon one, maybe a lemon drop? HAHA we’ll see. But yeah, it’s great to see and I cannot wait to see more in the upcoming weeks. The stage and song will be out tomorrow. Show them lots of love.

Mingi said the things to watch on the stage and the MV are different. He also said he wanted to rewrite his rap again after seeing the dance. They really made me curious on what this dance is. Especially after all the hyping they did. The members are trying hard they said. And the dancers created a synergy effect.

“NO NO NO!” the preview has come to an end.

They played Lemon Drop again and the song with the dance. Let’s say, I cannot wait. All I can hear is Closerrrrrrrrr. Lol!

Okay my ratings right now might change before album drop. The time to put up the review is getting “CLOSERRRRRR”! Let’s predict what I might enjoy…okay. This is the order right now…okay? Right now. MY RATING before fully listening: Lemon Drop, Masterpiece, Castle, Now this house ain’t a home, Bridge: The Edge of Reality.

Not too much of a change from the original introductions from the preview huh? I would put the bridge right after Masterpiece, but you know how I feel about that. However, for the record, it is right after Masterpiece in my rating. I didn’t know how I felt about Masterpiece after the preview live (which is why it is second), I think that Lemon Drop stayed consistent with what I assumed it was so I think it will end up being my favorite. Along with the fact we will see the song performed a lot since it’s the titled track. I can’t wait.

While you wait for my review section. I want to suggest the first two parts of the GOLDEN HOUR series. PART 1 and PART 2 reviews are linked here!

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8 minutes until drop!!! I am so ready! It’s hereeeeee! Guys stream, stream, stream! Short thoughts: This title song has the chill vibe you need to really kick off your summer. GO and check it out, you will not regret it.

Golden Hour: PART. 3 REVIEW:

I still have a lot to say, but I will add as I go! I also have to add to the review with listening to the instrumentals, stems, and A Capella version of the song. I hope you understand.

Lemon Drop (Track 1)

Okay, I watched the music video already. Let. Me. Tell. You. I love, love, love it! It reminded me of those happy youth memories we all cherish. And it’s giving a refreshing summer. As well as some thirst traps and lore hints? Y’all- there was a lot in one video!

Like Ateez, I am waiting for a full length movie franchise at this point. HMU, I got y’all…in exchange of the full lore of course! 🙂 Just kidding, unless👀😅. 

This song is fun! Especially live. I find myself dancing to this involuntarily.

I love the “ain’t nobody aye”. I love how it’s as if you only care about me. “Me” being the “person” they are talking to. The subject. Just clarifying just incase (IYKYK). It’s repeated throughout the whole song pretty much. Basically, you only care about me, and I am the only one you see! Ayeeeee! Love that. “Muse” works great for the next song as well. You’ll see why I say that later. 

The singing is amazing. I love the layering of vocals.

So, my airpods died so I’m using wired earphones and still, they work perfectly fine. However, I was missing out on some of that bass. I realized that when I went back to my favorite pair of earbuds. I totally recommend something that plays music well. Whether that’s a speaker, headphones, earphones, or something else. As long as it does surround and bass sound well (and hopefully the center lol)!

I think the way the song was structured is so perfect. It leaves you wanting more. I do wish there was a bridge and one last chorus, but this made it easier to hit repeat for me though. It’s really addicting. I hope the remixes are longer. I heard there will be a few of them. Maybe there will be a heat and chill version? We’ll see, only time will tell. I can see this song having a lot of good remixes and features with other artists.

If you thought this song was hot…well than the next is…

Masterpiece (Track 2)

A masterpiece indeed. So this song has the genres contemporary r&b and funk influenced in the track. 

COME ON! I can’t. 

This song had me shook tbh. Like most of the lyrics had a lot of interesting innuendo…and I didn’t know how to feel. By verse 2 it goes into “not” flexing. You’ll see what I mean in a bit.

From the start we already have a switch up. The acapella was so nice. I don’t know where it is from, but I love it (if I find out, I’ll add it in). All of the soulful harmonies really gave the song a classic vibe. I didn’t know what I expected after those. I will say, they really started the song off amazing. And actually it made it so much more richer in terms of listening experience. Then we got this heat making beat. It’s pure RnB. 

And of the kind of RnB I was listening to a lot on the radio while growing up. I won’t mention what song I am thinking of in this article, but man these kinds of songs. The sensual vibes are very present here. I see why it’s on the album. 

That’s what I want alright. This is amazing. 

The first half of the song we get some instructions on what the masterpiece will consist of…if you will. And when Hongjoong starts his rap, I really like the natural swag it has. And the layering with the ad-libs is so addicting.

By verse 2 it goes into not flexing. With subtle flexing by saying they can, but they say “it’s not my thing though”. I must mention too, I really adore their lower tones when singing. You see a lot of it in this song. That second part of the song, the patterns changing in the singing is amazing. I love when you can’t be comfortable in a song because each part is unique, but ties into each other beautifully. 

I can feel the vibe that Mingi must’ve had recording this verse. It puts you in an effortless head nod (similar to the whole song). Mingi has to stop whispering. He has to stop telling us to “shake it” to “흔들어”, to do any of “it”. I am not the same. I don’t know how I felt about the pause, I was already frozen, but the song was feeling the same amount of shook as us. I think as I continued to listen I learned to love it so it was enjoyable

I think the hook repeating was what I was looking for. The timing of it as well. It was perfect to end the song. And the outro with all of the layering of the vocals.

Just read the lyrics. Wtf! Omg. 

I think me repeating the song is just easy. But replay value, I think it is lacking with the start and ending being so different. I think if they started the beginning like the ending, it might make it easier to replay. Since it’s addicting it’s not the case for this song since I want to listen again. But you can’t get away with it well if you’re trying to sneak a repeat in the car with your friends. However, it isn’t bad this way either. It actually is pretty good to restart, but it doesn’t have that loop effect that some songs use to make you want to hit replay again. And you won’t notice where you are in the song. However, this song is short, which I am sad about and it makes me want to press replay as much as I can. 

I really hope the perform this live. Please one chance. I need to see this one time in my lifetime.

Now this house ain’t a home(Track 3)

Transition: The transitions aren’t too harsh tbh. This is a strong change tbh. The tones, the lyrics. 

This song has like a synth and soft rock vibe. 

It has themes of growth, reflection, and sadness. Sadness is evoked mainly for the lack of those things mentioned previously.

The vocals are wider here and more powerful but also muted. The whole song sounds like this as well. The rhythm is great (it switches a lot so it’s interesting to listen to), and I like how the looped part of the beat keeps pulling you back in. I feel like it’s the star of this one. 

With so much emotion packed into the lyrics, I have to explore a bit of them.

The lyrics that say:

In time, we all get taller

While sometimes feeling smaller

Basically, it’s like this: Though physically you’re seeing growth, sometimes in life we feel like we’re going backwards (or even at a standstill). And that can be depressing.

One that was translated was a line later in the song that said: “Someone else defines my beliefs and values” That was an interesting line to think about and it’s a sad realization. 

I guess it’s looking back on the past and seeing how growth hurts.

The second part was more vivid imagery that we can relate to. Like the blurriness from the tears. Ugh. The dark realities in life sometimes. Remember, there is light in every tunnel. And though this be reflection has a few depressing lines, know it gets better. 

Feels very motivational and comforting for sure. I feel emotional to this song too. I feel like I want cry. I wanted the last bit to have a small adlib, but it was okay without it. I adore the fade out.

Castle (Track 4)

I love how this track uses space around my ears. Wear headphones! Ateez songs always give me what I’m looking for when it comes to a good listening experience.

Transition: It works well with the previous song. Instead of the past, it’s the now. Which is interesting after hearing a rewind effect in the beginning.

“Running out”: into a part where there’s none of the worries, that’s comforting. I would like to visit a place like that or even just dream it up. I can do that with this song. 

Sometimes you just need an escape. It’s okay. This song really serves as one as well. Also, the album. Music can really get you through and really is that escape sometimes. I know for me it has been. 

This song is a great vibe and an easy listen. I love the sweet tone they use when singing it too. I hope they perform this one as Atiny really liked it and I think it will do well during the live stages. I think these calm songs makes me want to cry for whatever reason. I don’t know why. 

It really reminds me of Empty box a little bit.

Bridge : Edge of Reality (Track 5) 

From what I can feel from listening…you got a beat going, maybe it’s like walking to the elevator first. You hear voices, maybe there’s a bit of paranoia and you snap out of it. Are the voices really there or are they in your head…that I don’t know that answer yet.

Throw it back??? Like throw it back or throw it back? As in dancing or going back into the past Ateez songs.

Even on a TV, this song plays really well. You can hear most of the elements perfectly. So, you still feel like you’re going into that other “world”. Away from the rest of the album’s sound.

And it’s saying, “throw it back”. Just had to confirm it from the lyrics (lol). It’s great to know there’s probably double meanings for sure. For sure the beat makes you wanna “throw it back”. But also, we might be doing a throwback to the older storylines. There were some callbacks in the music videos.

This was quite interesting. I needed to definitely listen to it with closing my eyes

This is definitely a song I enjoy closing my eyes too. There’s so many elements in it, just like usual. 

Ratings:

I fought myself to finally make a decision, but I have to be honest with myself. What did I play the most? What will I continue to play over and over? What do I want to suggest for you to hear first? That’s some of the elements I decided to go with this time around. As you know, it’s never easy to pick a favorite song.

1. Masterpiece
2. Lemon Drop
3. Castle
4. Now this house ain’t a home
5. Bridge : Edge of Reality

KING CROWN’S Album Unboxing:

Closing Thoughts:

I have too many thoughts. You already know this! But like I mentioned in a previous review, there’s is something for everyone on these albums. This one, every song had a pair in my opinion. In terms of vibe. Which is quite new to me as even with other albums of theirs I think each song had a different vibe. And even though they were different they transitioned well. These did as well, but the vibes were from the Heat/Thirst to actual tears rolling down my face. I do think that they both comforted me. In the words sang or in new music. I needed to add to my playlist. And the Bridge is just paired with the lore of the next time. So, I am very excited for the next album and the story it will be adding to. See how easy it is be an Atiny?

Stan Ateez and stream Golden Hour : Part.3 

Also, drop your favorite songs in the comments. As well as your Golden moments you enjoyed in this era! Let us know. Also, any predictions for the lore. I am invested.

NEW UPDATES:

Y’all. Since the last time I updated this article, there has been more news! They are releasing another version of the album titled: ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’. which will be released July 11, 2025! Make sure to pre-save when it’s time and show your support! I will write a separate article for that one, so this won’t be too long! (IT’S OUT NOW)

KQ Entertainment, don’t be afraid to hit us up! We wanna know about the new album! So, catch up with the last 4 songs when you can and let’s talk about them in the comments!

Written by: A.P.